The Chinese language program is offered regularly in four proficiency levels, designed for students with no or little background in the language to advanced level learners.
We use an integrated approach in our language program. We emphasize the importance of achieving proficiency in all four skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For beginner-level learners, we start by focusing more on spoken skills to ease students into recognizing and using characters and then help them to progress gradually in reading and writing passages. Conversations and themes in textbooks for beginning to intermediate learners focus more on everyday topics such as food, lodging, travel, etc. In contrast, themes for advanced-level students encompass topics about social problems, news reports, and popular Chinese culture that are more suitable for expressing opinions.
Virtual reality is no substitute for the real thing when you want to become part of the global village in a cross-cultural experience. With your present command of English and knowledge of Chinese (25 percent of the world’s population speaks this language), you can communicate with almost everyone. Communication is the game's name in virtually every field of the humanities and social sciences, as well as business and the vast cyberspace.
See the range of innovative courses (hybrid courses, Chinese for professionals, food culture, etc.) coming up in 2024 and afterward. You can also join our Chinese program Canvas Group to check out the latest information on scholarships, learning materials, and activities.
The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures offers a Chinese major that combines the best of Chinese studies, ancient and modern, with expert training in speaking, reading, and writing the language. Upon this solid language foundation is built a diverse and balanced curriculum of courses in cultural studies, thought systems, literary masterpieces, and modern cinema.
Learn about the three options for students who want to obtain a minor in Chinese.
Learn more about a minor option for students of Chinese heritage and others whose oral and aural abilities exceed their reading and writing skills
We have a diverse and balanced curriculum of courses in cultural studies, thought systems, literary masterpieces, and cinema. Those courses will equip students with knowledge of both ancient and modern China.
Once you've declaired a Chinese major in the Department, your major advisor (Stephen Luft) will help you select courses and guide you through the major curriculum. The advisor will also be happy to help you with post-graduation plans.
Learn about the Chinese language program further by exploring the frequently asked questions.
To obtain a certificate in Asian Studies, you need two years of an East Asian language. This means if you're a Chinese major or minor, you will not need additional coursework. For more information, visit the Asian Studies Center.
We encourage our students to study in both the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. A number of Pitt students enroll in many college-level programs in PRC and Taiwan to improve language proficiency and to gain firsthand experience there.
Internships, either as a part of your undergraduate study or undertaken after graduation, will give you a chance to apply your language skills and obtain job experience at the same time in the target culture. We will give you as much assistance as possible in finding an appropriate intern situation.